me, myself And i...A Look At Assam From The Bottom Up

Guwahati, Apr 17: The voters, who exercised their franchise in the second phase of assembly polls in Assam called for development in the region and reduction of unemployment.

"We have exercised our vote because we want a strong social system. It is with this hope that we have cast our vote. We have many problems in our state that we want to be eradicated. We want a strong government," said Gopal Rajbonshi, a voter.

"The problems related to road, electricity and other basic amenities should be solved. We hope for the best and whichever party comes to power should solve these problems. Our state faces a big problem of unemployment and it needs to be solved," added Pushpalata Deori, another voter.

Brisk polling was recorded on April 11 in the second and final phase of elections for 64 assembly constituencies in Assam, with a voter turnout of 70.35 per cent.

The fate of 496 candidates, including 47 women, was sealed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). 12,589 polling stations were set up in 7910 locations. Many areas were declared hypersensitive zones and massive security arrangements were made.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure free and fair polls Even in the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) dominated areas; the voters' turnout was impressive. This was a rather unique election for Assam.